GHOSTBUSTERS are beating a path to the door of the Nothe Fort to hunt down the supernatural.

Some 50 visitors are braving the attraction’s tunnels on a rare night time opening with ghost expert Alistair Chisholm.

Their adventure on Bank Holiday Monday, August 31, comes before Paranormal Tours holds its first overnight ghost hunt at the fort in October.

Fort spokesman John Shepherd said that usually the attraction is closed at night but there has been a lot of interest recently with ghost hunters queuing up to investigate.

He said: “We believe there are two ghosts in the fort and maybe even more.

“Following their tours, we are going to ask visitors if they felt anything strange.

“Did they suddenly feel cold, did the hairs on the backs of their necks rise? We want to know.”

He added: “There has been a great deal of interest and the 50 tickets are selling fast.

“We can only manage two groups of 25.

“If it is a sell-out, we might make ‘Ghosts in the Dungeon’ a featured attraction next year.”

Tourist guide Mr Chisholm, who is also Dorchester chamber of commerce president, will lead two tours on Monday – at 6.45pm and 8pm.

The two ghosts at the fort are the ‘Whistling Gunner’ and Lizzie.

The gunner was first heard in a deep passage by people who broke into the fort 50 years ago at a time when the huge building was becoming derelict.

Mr Shepherd said: “He may be called Daniel and it is believed he was one of the fort’s Victorian garrison soldiers who fell off the ramparts one night and was found dead on the rocks below.”

Visitors can stay on after the walks on Monday, stroll the ramparts and watch the fireworks display at 9.30pm.

The fort’s cannon will be fired by its Fort Artillery at 9.15pm. The canteen will be open for food and drink.

Tickets are £5 each for adults and £3 for accompanied children aged 10 to 15.